There is much to welcome in the Government’s new Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The Bill builds on work that was underway under previous governments, but underneath some welcome additions in safeguarding there are some concerning measures that will undermine schools across the constituency.
In particular, I am glad that this administration has sought to build on the family group conferencing model by introducing family group decision making. These changes will ensure that families will have a greater say in the development of their relatives. Working with a wider support group, parents and close relatives will be able to address the particular concerns they have with their child’s welfare. We have seen in local trials that this helps children overcome difficulties and encourage positive outcomes.
In my short remarks, I made sure to mention the issue of reasonable chastisement. This is a matter I raised with the Deputy Prime Minister following the deaths of Dwelaniyah Robinson and Sara Sharif. There is yet to be movement on this issue, and I am disappointed that further steps haven’t been taken through this legislation.
Concluding my remarks, I turned to the calls for a national inquiry. I am glad that both the Minister responsible and the Prime Minister are open-minded about a national inquiry to investigate these complex cases. I know from my inbox that a number of constituents want to see a thorough inquiry into this matter and should one happen, I would hope that all perpetrators are exposed and all victims are protected.
You can watch my full speech here.
